How Long Does Ceramic Coating Take to Apply

December 15, 2022
BOOK ONLINE SCHEDULE CONSULTATION

You've just purchased a new car and want to protect its exterior. You might have an older car but still want to find ways to keep it in good shape. With old techniques like waxing and new ones coming out all the time, it can take a while to figure out which one is best for you. Fortunately, the decision is simpler than you might think. Ceramic coating is a wise choice.


Ceramic coating is currently the best option for vehicle paint correction. It is worth considering because it can help protect your car's exterior paint from damage. Is a ceramic coat, however, worth the money? Is it capable of doing more than just making your car look new and shiny? The short answer is yes to both of these questions.


Benefits of Giving Your Car a Ceramic Coat 


  • Ceramic coatings add an extra layer of protection for your car from various elements that can cause damage. The ceramic coating forms a layer of protection that easily repels water and other substances that can cause rust and further damage. 
  • Your vehicle will be more durable.
  • A ceramic coating repels mud and dirt.
  • It will make your car easier to clean.
  • A ceramic coating will eliminate the need to wax your car.
  • It will make your car look new longer by giving the paint job that showroom shine.
  • Ceramic coating is cost-effective compared to traditional waxing. After all, spending money to prevent damage is always cheaper than repairing the damage.


While most ceramic coatings protect the surface from direct sunlight, bird droppings, tree sap, acid rain, and other substances or chemicals, they do not provide complete scratch resistance. It only takes one bad wash to leave swirl marks or small scratches on your car's finish.


Applying Ceramic Car Coatings


Ceramic coating is an excellent paint protector for automobiles, boats, RVs, and even planes. Depending on the ceramic coat brand, it can last for up to a decade if properly applied. Do you want to give your car a ceramic coating? If this is the case, it is important to understand that it is a difficult process that can take some time to complete.


How Long Does It Take to Apply Ceramic Coating?


Typically, the ceramic coating application process takes two to three days. Usually, the preparation stages take one to two days to complete, while the ceramic coating takes just a few hours to apply. However, the coating must be allowed to cure properly, which can take up to 24 hours.


How Long Does It Take to Prepare Ceramic Coatings?


The most time-consuming stage of the application process is preparing your vehicle's paint for a coating job. The coating application is quick, but the preparation is time-consuming.


To ensure that the coating bonds to the applied surface, the vehicle's surface must be properly prepared. This includes a thorough decontamination wash, machine polishing, and panel wiping. Otherwise, the ceramic coating will not be able to achieve its maximum durability.

how long does ceramic coating take to apply

Below Is a Summary of the Steps Involved and an Estimate of How Long They Take:


  • Pre-wash and contact wash – 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the vehicle size
  • Chemical decontamination wash – 20 to 30 minutes
  • Physical decontamination – 20 to 30 minutes
  • Wash again and dry – 10 to 20 minutes
  • Inspection of the car’s paint – 15 minutes
  • Machine polishing – three to six hours
  • Panel wipe solution – 10 to 20 minutes


As a result, the entire preparation time ranges between six and ten hours. The decontamination and washing steps are fairly simple and should take about three hours if everything is ready and you work efficiently. If this is your first time, you may need an extra hour to get into the swing of things.


How Long Does It Take to Apply the Ceramic Coat?


The application of a ceramic coat takes very little time. Most medium-sized vehicles take between 30 minutes and an hour. Furthermore, if you follow the instructions correctly, the process is fairly simple. However, due to flash times, some coatings may take longer to apply than others. The "flash time" is the amount of time between spreading and buffing the coating.


Working on one panel at a time is usually required for coatings with short flash times of 15-20 seconds. This entails applying a thin coat of coating, waiting, and buffing. Ceramic coatings with longer flash times, on the other hand, allow you to coat two to three sections at once and then buff them off.


How Long Does It Take the Coating to Cure Properly?


After applying the coating, allow it to cure properly. The cure time is the time it takes for the material to harden completely. It is critical that the coating not become wet prior to hardening; otherwise, it may fail. Curing times typically range from 12 to 24 hours after application. As a result, you should avoid driving your car during this time.


Vehicle Detailing in Dayton, Ohio, & Richmond, Indiana


Are you looking for a distinct brand of high-quality interior and exterior cleaning, detailing, and ceramic coatings? If this is the case, please visit Vehicle Enhancement Inc. to learn more about the services we provide. Our ceramic coatings will make your car's paint look new and shiny, like an exotic jewel, while also increasing its durability.


We specialize in removing surface blemishes or paint defects from the exterior of your vehicle using a painstaking paint correction process. To ensure a clean, shiny finish and deliver unrivaled quality, the highest-quality expertise, techniques, and products are required. The good news is that we have the knowledge and are the best in the industry. We are masters of our trade and approach each job with zeal.


To request an appointment, click here for a free quote or call 937-296-0328. Alternatively, you can visit us at 4002 Kettering Blvd, Moraine, Ohio, or 85 S 37th St, Richmond, Indiana, depending on which location is most convenient for you.

By SEO Team July 28, 2025
Driving through Dayton, Kettering, or Centerville, the last thing you want to worry about is unsightly scratches or chips marring your vehicle's beautiful paint job. Whether it’s gravel kicked up on I-75 or a pesky bug splatter during a scenic drive through Beavercreek, road debris can cause significant damage to your car’s exterior. These hazards not only affect your vehicle’s aesthetic but also reduce its resale value over time.  So, how can you protect that glossy finish you’ve worked so hard to maintain? The solution lies in Paint Protection Film (PPF) —a modern innovation designed to shield your car’s paint from the daily wear and tear of the road. This article will dive into how PPF works, the many advantages it offers, and why it’s one of the smartest investments for your vehicle’s long-term protection.
By SEO Team July 14, 2025
Discover how Paint Protection Film (PPF) shields your car from daily wear, scratches, UV damage, and more, keeping it looking new for years. Learn about PPF benefits today!
June 27, 2025
Cleaning your car in Dayton, Ohio can feel like a never-ending battle against the harsh winters, spring pollen, and summer storms. But what if we told you there’s a way to make this chore dramatically easier? At Vehicle Enhancement Inc., we’ve been transforming vehicles throughout Dayton and Richmond, Indiana, with our professional ceramic coating services that can reduce your cleaning time by up to 50% while keeping your vehicle looking showroom-fresh. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Dayton, our certified installers create a protective shield that turns car cleaning into a breeze. Let’s explore how our professional-grade ceramic coatings revolutionize vehicle maintenance for Ohio drivers.
June 24, 2025
When it comes to keeping your car looking fresh and vibrant, UV rays are a constant threat—always lurking and ready to cause damage. While it may be tempting to think that a simple wash or a coat of wax will do the trick, the reality is that traditional methods often fall short in providing long-term protection. If you’re serious about maintaining your vehicle’s paint job and preventing that dreaded fade, it’s time to consider ceramic coatings. These advanced solutions not only provide a barrier against harsh sunlight but also enhance your vehicle’s overall look. Let’s dive into why ceramic coatings could be the game-changer you didn’t know you needed in your quest for automotive perfection.
By SEO Team May 30, 2025
Ready to give your vehicle the protection it deserves? Contact us today to learn more about our premium PPF options and schedule your installation!
By SEO Team May 28, 2025
Discover why ceramic coating is a smart, long-term solution for protecting your car’s finish and saving money on maintenance. Call Veishop to learn more!
By SEO Team May 1, 2025
Discover the truth about Paint Protection Film and why it’s one of the smartest ways to protect your car’s paint—read more to separate the myths from reality!
By SEO Team April 30, 2025
Discover how Paint Protection Film (PPF) offers invisible yet powerful defense for your car’s paint. Learn why it's a must-have—read the full guide now!
By SEO Team March 27, 2025
Restore your car’s shine and protection! Learn how to fix fading ceramic coatings, prevent future wear, and keep your vehicle looking new. Contact us now!
By SEO Team March 27, 2025
Ensure your ceramic coating achieves a flawless, showroom shine with proper curing times and expert tips. Contact us now for professional ceramic services!